DEFINITION of 'Foreign Institutional Investor - FII'
An investor or investment fund that is from or registered in a country outside of the one in which it is currently investing. Institutional investors include hedge funds, insurance companies, pension funds and mutual funds. The term is used most commonly in India to refer to outside companies investing in the financial markets of India. International institutional investors must register with the Securities and Exchange Board of India to participate in the market. One of the major market regulations pertaining to FIIs involves placing limits on FII ownership in Indian companies.
These investment proposals by the FIIs are made on behalf of sub accounts, which may include foreign corporates, individuals, funds etcetera. In order to act as a banker to the FIIs, the RBI has designated banks that are authorised to deal with them. The biggest source through which FIIs invest is the issuance of Participatory Notes (P-Notes), which are also known as Offshore Derivatives.
Yes, FIIs can invest in the stocks and debentures of the Indian companies. In order to invest in the primary and secondary capital markets in India, they have to venture through the portfolio investment scheme (PIS). According to RBI regulations, the ceiling for overall investment for FIIs is 24% of the paid up capital of the Indian company. The limit is 20% of the paid up capital in the case of public sector banks. However, if the board and the general body approves and passes a special resolution, then the ceiling of 24% for FII investment can be raised up to sectoral cap for that particular segment. In fact, recently Sebi allowed FIIs to invest in unlisted exchanges as well, which means both BSE and NSE (the unlisted bourses) can now allot shares to FIIs also.
Yes, FIIs can invest in the stocks and debentures of the Indian companies. In order to invest in the primary and secondary capital markets in India, they have to venture through the portfolio investment scheme (PIS). According to RBI regulations, the ceiling for overall investment for FIIs is 24% of the paid up capital of the Indian company. The limit is 20% of the paid up capital in the case of public sector banks. However, if the board and the general body approves and passes a special resolution, then the ceiling of 24% for FII investment can be raised up to sectoral cap for that particular segment. In fact, recently Sebi allowed FIIs to invest in unlisted exchanges as well, which means both BSE and NSE (the unlisted bourses) can now allot shares to FIIs also.
There is a long list of entities that are eligible to get registered as FIIs such as pension funds, mutual funds, insurance companies, investment trusts, banks, university funds, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds and charitable trusts. In fact, asset management companies, investment managers, advisors or institutional portfolio managers set up and/or owned by NRIs are also eligible to be registered as FIIs. The nodal point for FII registrations is Sebi and hence all FIIs must register themselves with Sebi and should also comply with the exchange control regulations of the central bank. Apart from being allowed to invest in securities in primary and secondary markets, FIIs can also invest in mutual funds, dated government securities, derivatives traded on a recognised stock exchange and commercial papers.
Why are FIIs important for Indian mkts?
FIIs are among the major sources of liquidity for the Indian markets. If FIIs are investing huge amounts in the Indian stock exchanges then it reflects their high confidence and a healthy investor sentiment for our markets. But with the current global financial turmoil and a liquidity and credit freeze in the international markets, FIIs have become net sellers (on a day to day basis). The entry of FIIs in India has brought mixed consequences for our markets, on one hand they have improved the breadth and depth of Indian markets and on the other hand they have also become the major sources of speculation in testing times like these
FIIs are among the major sources of liquidity for the Indian markets. If FIIs are investing huge amounts in the Indian stock exchanges then it reflects their high confidence and a healthy investor sentiment for our markets. But with the current global financial turmoil and a liquidity and credit freeze in the international markets, FIIs have become net sellers (on a day to day basis). The entry of FIIs in India has brought mixed consequences for our markets, on one hand they have improved the breadth and depth of Indian markets and on the other hand they have also become the major sources of speculation in testing times like these
